THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI Review & Analysis

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” is officially billed as a darkly comedic drama, but it’s far more drama than comedy. Mildred (Frances McDormand) pays for three billboards questioning the local police chief’s investigation into her daughter’s murder when the case stalls after seven months. The murder mystery, though, is more a device than actual plot point as the case takes backseat to Mildred’s grief, actions and evolution.

The local police chief (Woody Harrelson) and detective (Sam Rockwell) are as multi-dimensional as Mildred. However, particularly with Mildred and Detective Dixon, it’s up to viewers to decide if they are truly better versions of themselves by the end.